3rd pitch on the route ‘Blown Away’ on Daff Dome, Yosemite NP
It is very important for me at 75 and pretty much anyone who wants to enjoy life in a fully functional body.. to maintain ones range of motion.. We need to work at it every day, especially us seniors..
At this point in time my Yoga routine is paying big range of motion dividends..
All photos Potter Wunderland
Even with arthritis I am able to rock climb on large formations like Daff Dome in Yosemite national Park.. You Can remain in the game till the End.. Whatever your preferred physical game is, by keeping your yoga routine consistent..
Here’s what works for me…
I Wake up and do and an internal body scan. Take notice of any tightness, soreness, or pain.. then rise, and sit quietly for about 15 min .. then hydrate.. 24 oz of tepid - not cold water + another 24 oz or so of Coffee [I have a high tolerance for caffeine].. remaining warm.. Warmth and hydration are key.. Muscles and connective tissues are much more pliable with those two surging top to bottom .. we really want to Maintain the warmth… prior to as well as during the [stretching - Asana routine..] Clothing is always loose and non restrictive..
Warm and hydrated, now create a little more warmth with an easy appropriate Vinyasa / Pranayama… Breathing deeply into the area of tightness of each pose.. [ this injects Prana-Life Force deeper into the tissues, loosening tightness and healing as well ]
If you're younger, pick up the pace and do 6 or more vinyasa’s.. older bodies require a slower pace.. coupling movement with the Ujjayi breath.. which creates internal heat.. If one has an older body then again be very careful and gentle.. start off, laying down if that is best.. pace your routine appropriately.. be acutely aware of your edge.. if at any time pain is felt.. Stop.. back it down.. eliminate that Asana or adjust it.. using support if appropriate.. It's always your body’s call.. play your edge patiently consistently.. range of motion will improve.. If in a yoga class never allow a teacher to coax you into doing something that is inappropriate and painful.. Go at your pace.. healthy change will occur..
I recommend finding a local yoga teacher that resonates with you.. initially group classes can be beneficial… but in time group classes really are inappropriate.. Group classes are a recent development in yoga.. Found in the West.. In India, the birthplace of yoga, for the last several thousand years it was taught one on one, one teacher one student..
Consequently.. if you want to reap the most benefits that yoga can yield you should eventually develop your own personal practice.. a routine dialed for your particular body.. At any given time..
Yoga videos can be helpful, but again listen to your body and try not to go too deeply…
You know you're on the right track if when your routine is complete and you're laying in the death pose, you are blissed out.. with an unparalleled feeling of well-being..
your author Blissed out..
Peace..
We got this..